Effects of microwave curing carbon doped epoxy adhesive-polycarbonate joints

This paper reports on the effect of adding two types of carbon black; Vulcan 66 and Sterling, to epoxy adhesive in lap joint of polycarbonate sheet to improve the microwave curing characteristics. The maximum bond shear strength after a 30 s cure time was compared with the two carbon black types at various dopant concentrations. The addition of the Vulcan 66 carbon black resulted in the higher bond strength when compared to Sterling carbon. Microscopical analysis of the fractured joint was carried out using SEM, and residual stress was investigated with a polariscope. Raman spectra revealed changes in material characteristics resulting from microwave processing